How to Export PDFs as 72 DPI JPEG Images in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to configure Adobe Acrobat to export PDF files as JPEG images at a specific resolution of 72 DPI to manage file size.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting PDFs to image formats using the Action Wizard or manual export tools, where the output needs to be optimized for web or screen viewing.
- Observed behavior
- By default, Acrobat may export JPEGs at higher resolutions, requiring the user to locate and modify the global conversion preferences to enforce a 72 DPI output.
Ensure you are using Adobe Acrobat Pro or Standard, as the free Acrobat Reader does not include advanced PDF exporting or Action Wizard batch conversion features.
Adjust PDF to JPEG Conversion Preferences
Modify the global export preferences in Adobe Acrobat to ensure all future JPEG exports default to 72 DPI.
Adobe Acrobat uses a centralized preferences menu to control the output quality of various file formats. By changing the 'Convert from PDF' settings, you dictate the default resolution used by both the manual Export PDF tool and automated batch processes like the Action Wizard.
Launch Adobe Acrobat. Click on 'Edit' in the top menu bar and select 'Preferences' (or press Ctrl+K / Cmd+K on a Mac).
In the left-hand Categories pane of the Preferences window, scroll down and click on 'Convert from PDF'.
In the main window under 'Converting from PDF', select 'JPEG' from the list of formats, then click the 'Edit Settings' button.
In the settings dialog, locate the Resolution dropdown menu. Change the value to '72 pixels/inch' (or dpi), and click 'OK' to save the settings.
Click 'OK' again to exit Preferences. You can now run the Action Wizard or use the Export PDF tool, and your images will export at 72 DPI.

Convert PDFs to Images Easily with WPS Office
If you need a faster and more intuitive way to turn your PDFs into lightweight images, WPS Office features a dedicated 'PDF to Picture' tool that bypasses complex preference menus.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you wish to convert.
- 2. Select PDF to Picture: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'PDF to Picture' icon.
- 3. Configure Output Options: In the dialog box, set the export format to JPEG and select your preferred image quality (Normal for screen use).
- 4. Export the Images: Click the 'Export' button and choose a destination folder to instantly save your converted JPEG files.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I export PDF to JPEG at 72 DPI?
72 DPI (dots per inch) is the standard resolution for web viewing. Exporting at 72 DPI significantly reduces the file size compared to print resolutions (like 300 DPI), making the images load faster online and easier to share via email.
Will this setting apply to Action Wizard batch processes?
Yes. The Action Wizard utilizes the default Acrobat 'Convert from PDF' preferences. Once you change the JPEG resolution setting to 72 DPI, any batch process involving JPEG export will automatically adopt this resolution.
Can I export different pages of the same PDF at different resolutions?
No, Adobe Acrobat applies the chosen resolution setting universally to all pages exported during a single conversion process. If you need different resolutions, you will have to export pages individually and adjust the settings each time.




